0:00:02 > 0:00:04During the late-18th and early-19th centuries
0:00:04 > 0:00:09this unique house was also home to two equally unconventional ladies,
0:00:09 > 0:00:11and attracted the attention of
0:00:11 > 0:00:14some of the most notable figures in regency society
0:00:14 > 0:00:19including the Duke of Wellington and the great poets Shelley and Byron.
0:00:19 > 0:00:21But why did they come here?
0:00:21 > 0:00:24Well, find out in just a moment.
0:00:42 > 0:00:45Today's house hunters want to experience country life
0:00:45 > 0:00:46with plenty of land.
0:00:46 > 0:00:49- This belongs to the house? - This belongs to the house.
0:00:49 > 0:00:51- Enough for you? - Gosh, yeah, cheers.
0:00:51 > 0:00:53- Yeah?- Yeah, thank you.
0:00:53 > 0:00:55But the house is really important too.
0:00:55 > 0:00:59It doesn't feel as country cottage-y
0:00:59 > 0:01:00as I thought it would be.
0:01:03 > 0:01:06Today I'm in Llangollen in North Wales,
0:01:06 > 0:01:08and this is Plas Newydd,
0:01:08 > 0:01:13once the home to Lady Eleanor Butler and Miss Sarah Ponsonby
0:01:13 > 0:01:15who became famous in regency society
0:01:15 > 0:01:18as the ladies of Llangollen.
0:01:18 > 0:01:20Now, in the late 1770s
0:01:20 > 0:01:22and faced with the prospect of
0:01:22 > 0:01:25either loveless marriages or life in a convent,
0:01:25 > 0:01:29these two courageous Irish women defied convention
0:01:29 > 0:01:32and decided to set up home together here in Wales
0:01:32 > 0:01:34without the support of a husband.
0:01:34 > 0:01:38At the time, it was thought positively scandalous.
0:01:38 > 0:01:41They moved here, and over the next 50 years,
0:01:41 > 0:01:45recreated this house in a stunning gothic style.
0:01:45 > 0:01:49As news of their intriguing independent lifestyle grew
0:01:49 > 0:01:54they became a draw for famous writers, poets, even nobility
0:01:54 > 0:01:58and often entertained up to 20 guests a day.
0:01:58 > 0:02:00The ladies' house is now a museum,
0:02:00 > 0:02:04and their endearing legacy continues to this day.
0:02:04 > 0:02:06But there's plenty more here in North Wales
0:02:06 > 0:02:08to capture your imagination.
0:02:09 > 0:02:12The region of North Wales is made up of six counties
0:02:12 > 0:02:15including Denbighshire and Conwy,
0:02:15 > 0:02:17and is home to the Snowdonia National Park
0:02:17 > 0:02:19which lies largely in the county of Gwynedd.
0:02:19 > 0:02:23The park is the third-largest National Park in the UK.
0:02:23 > 0:02:28Established in 1951, it covers a massive 800 square miles
0:02:28 > 0:02:30and at its heart is Mount Snowden,
0:02:30 > 0:02:33the highest peak in England and Wales.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36To the north-east of the Park are gentler rolling hills
0:02:36 > 0:02:37and the beautiful coastline
0:02:37 > 0:02:40which boasts many pretty seaside towns,
0:02:40 > 0:02:43like the Victorian resort of Llandudno in Conwy
0:02:43 > 0:02:45with its historic pier.
0:02:45 > 0:02:49Constructed in 1976 at a length of over 2,000 feet,
0:02:49 > 0:02:51the pier is the longest in Wales
0:02:51 > 0:02:56and an inspiring place to sit and take in the views out to sea.
0:02:56 > 0:02:59North Wales is also known for its many impressive castles
0:02:59 > 0:03:01which dot the landscape.
0:03:01 > 0:03:03To the west, in Gwynedd, is Harlech Castle
0:03:03 > 0:03:05which dates back to the 13th century,
0:03:05 > 0:03:08and was built in a hurry by Edward I
0:03:08 > 0:03:10during his invasion of Wales.
0:03:10 > 0:03:12It's considered to be the finest example
0:03:12 > 0:03:15of late-13th-century architecture in Europe
0:03:15 > 0:03:17and is now a World Heritage Site.
0:03:18 > 0:03:22Less than a quarter of Wales' total population live in the north,
0:03:22 > 0:03:24concentrated mainly in urban areas
0:03:24 > 0:03:28making the rural parts some of the most sparsely populated places
0:03:28 > 0:03:30in the whole of the country.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33Ideal for those seeking a truly peaceful escape.
0:03:35 > 0:03:39On average, the price of a detached home here in North Wales
0:03:39 > 0:03:44comes in at around £100,000 less than the national figure,
0:03:44 > 0:03:48which makes this region an increasingly popular option
0:03:48 > 0:03:51for those seeking both beautiful rural countryside
0:03:51 > 0:03:54and striking coastlines.
0:03:54 > 0:03:55Although, in the county of Gwynedd,
0:03:55 > 0:03:59you may have to pay around £20,000 more
0:03:59 > 0:04:02as the majority of the Snowdonia National Park
0:04:02 > 0:04:03falls within its boundaries,
0:04:03 > 0:04:06keeping prices at a premium.
0:04:06 > 0:04:11So let's meet today's buyers to discover exactly what attracts them
0:04:11 > 0:04:14to the beautiful North Wales countryside.
0:04:15 > 0:04:18Wayne and Denise have been living together in a four-bedroom house
0:04:18 > 0:04:21in Warrington, Cheshire for the last five years.
0:04:21 > 0:04:24Wayne is a police officer and met Denise at work.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27I used to be Denise's sergeant
0:04:27 > 0:04:29and we just got on like a house on fire.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32And we stayed friends, and it was friends for a long time.
0:04:32 > 0:04:34It just seemed to happen. Is that right?
0:04:34 > 0:04:37- Blossomed from there. - Is that what it is?
0:04:37 > 0:04:39The couple married in 2009,
0:04:39 > 0:04:43but initially, Denise was a bit slow to take up Wayne's offer.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46- You proposed a couple of times. - Yeah, several times.
0:04:46 > 0:04:48- I ground you down in the end, didn't I?- He did, yeah.
0:04:48 > 0:04:51It was my car windscreen, he etched it in the windscreen
0:04:51 > 0:04:53one day when it was frosty
0:04:53 > 0:04:55and then the second time was in a sports shop
0:04:55 > 0:04:57when we were in Carlisle.
0:04:57 > 0:04:59It was very busy, and I just joked,
0:04:59 > 0:05:01"You haven't got down on bended knee yet,"
0:05:01 > 0:05:03so he did, in the middle of the shop.
0:05:03 > 0:05:05I just said, "Get up, you fool!"
0:05:05 > 0:05:06So that was a no.
0:05:06 > 0:05:09And then he asked me again on the London Eye in London.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12- Yeah, on Valentine's Day. - Yeah, on Valentine's Day,
0:05:12 > 0:05:14and that was the official, I suppose,
0:05:14 > 0:05:16- proposal, really, wasn't it? - Yes, it was.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19While Denise has only relatively recently moved in,
0:05:19 > 0:05:22Wayne has lived here for some time.
0:05:22 > 0:05:24I've been here for 14 years.
0:05:24 > 0:05:26I brought my children up here
0:05:26 > 0:05:28cos it's got a great school just nearby.
0:05:28 > 0:05:29It's sort of semi-rural,
0:05:29 > 0:05:31when I look out at the back, I can see another house,
0:05:31 > 0:05:34I look out of the side, I can see another house,
0:05:34 > 0:05:36I look out of the front and I can see lots of other houses.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39I want to be able to look out of at least one window
0:05:39 > 0:05:43and not to be able to see another house, please.
0:05:43 > 0:05:45Although the house is in a quiet cul-de-sac,
0:05:45 > 0:05:49they're very near the M62 and hear a lot of traffic noise.
0:05:49 > 0:05:51We don't use the garden cos it's so noisy.
0:05:51 > 0:05:54Yeah, we'd like a little bit more silence, please.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58They want to move away from the noise and the traffic
0:05:58 > 0:06:02and have chosen North Wales as their peaceful new location.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05The reason we want to move now is I've already retired,
0:06:05 > 0:06:07I retired last year,
0:06:07 > 0:06:08- Wayne's almost there.- Yes.
0:06:08 > 0:06:10I will be retiring soon,
0:06:10 > 0:06:12and I'm going to spend more time at home,
0:06:12 > 0:06:14I'm going to do more outside.
0:06:14 > 0:06:16It's time for another challenge.
0:06:16 > 0:06:18This is the optimum time for us to go, really.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20And when it comes to the kind of property,
0:06:20 > 0:06:22they have a clear idea of what they want.
0:06:22 > 0:06:24A large kitchen is a must for me,
0:06:24 > 0:06:27and I'd also like a boot room as well,
0:06:27 > 0:06:28so that when you come in from the garden,
0:06:28 > 0:06:31you've got somewhere to store your wellingtons.
0:06:31 > 0:06:33And I want some land cos we have chickens,
0:06:33 > 0:06:35and I'd like them to roam free more,
0:06:35 > 0:06:39and I'd like to have more chickens and more animals as well.
0:06:39 > 0:06:40I want some outbuildings.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43Please, I beg you, some outbuildings.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46The garage here at the moment is full of wood that I've cut down
0:06:46 > 0:06:48and we've got to move it.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51So, with their wish list in hand, the couple are raring to go.
0:06:51 > 0:06:53The house is sold.
0:06:53 > 0:06:56We're in the process of moving all our furniture
0:06:56 > 0:06:58into a rented house just down the road,
0:06:58 > 0:07:01so we need to find somewhere very quick.
0:07:01 > 0:07:05I'm very much looking forward to a quieter life, please.
0:07:05 > 0:07:07One that doesn't involve shifts
0:07:07 > 0:07:10or waking up at five o'clock in the morning,
0:07:10 > 0:07:12unless it's for the animals.
0:07:12 > 0:07:15Yeah, almost, you know, we open the curtains,
0:07:15 > 0:07:18and what we see will be ours rather than somebody else's.
0:07:23 > 0:07:25Denise and Wayne want to be within easy reach
0:07:25 > 0:07:26of their family in Cheshire,
0:07:26 > 0:07:27so we'll be concentrating
0:07:27 > 0:07:29our property search
0:07:29 > 0:07:30in Denbighshire and Conwy.
0:07:30 > 0:07:32But before we begin,
0:07:32 > 0:07:33I'm meeting up with them
0:07:33 > 0:07:36to hear more about their planned rural move.
0:07:36 > 0:07:39Well, Wayne and Denise, welcome to North Wales.
0:07:39 > 0:07:41I mean, you've certainly picked an idyllic spot.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44But why here, why does it work for the two of you?
0:07:44 > 0:07:48Well, I had lots of children's holidays here with my family,
0:07:48 > 0:07:51and we also walked Offa's Dyke five years ago
0:07:51 > 0:07:52and got married halfway along.
0:07:52 > 0:07:54So how long is that walk?
0:07:54 > 0:07:55It's 200 miles.
0:07:55 > 0:07:57Two hun... And that was your honeymoon, was it?
0:07:57 > 0:07:59Yes, that was our honeymoon, yes.
0:07:59 > 0:08:02I made you carry your own rucksack and your own dress.
0:08:02 > 0:08:03Yes.
0:08:03 > 0:08:05So you're sold on this area, aren't you?
0:08:05 > 0:08:07Yeah, we like North Wales.
0:08:07 > 0:08:09It's still within travelling distance
0:08:09 > 0:08:13to where Denise's family still live and my children
0:08:13 > 0:08:16- so it fits everything really, doesn't it?- Yeah, it does, yeah.
0:08:16 > 0:08:17- This is what we want.- Yeah, rural.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20Now let's pick up on this word - rural.
0:08:20 > 0:08:21Yes, I'd like a lighthouse
0:08:21 > 0:08:24on top of a hill in the middle of nowhere, if possible.
0:08:25 > 0:08:27No neighbours.
0:08:27 > 0:08:28That's true, he does.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31You don't want neighbours, but you want livestock?
0:08:31 > 0:08:32We want livestock, yeah.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35I've always had a longing to possess goats,
0:08:35 > 0:08:36I have no idea why,
0:08:36 > 0:08:39I've just always fancied the idea of
0:08:39 > 0:08:41a small holding or living in the countryside
0:08:41 > 0:08:44with some animals, particularly goats and sheep.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47What about the property, the actual house itself?
0:08:47 > 0:08:49- Large kitchen, if we can do it.- Yes.
0:08:49 > 0:08:52- Number of bedrooms...easy-going. - Um, I'd say minimum of three.
0:08:52 > 0:08:54Denise, I know for you it's really important that
0:08:54 > 0:08:56- your mum's nearby that she can come to stay, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59And there's accommodation if she wants to stay
0:08:59 > 0:09:01- for a little bit longer than the three days.- Yeah.
0:09:01 > 0:09:03She's OK, I have a nice mother-in-law.
0:09:03 > 0:09:05- So you've sold your property. - We have.
0:09:05 > 0:09:07So, in an ideal world,
0:09:07 > 0:09:10- you're going to be moving in in the next few months?- Hopefully, please.
0:09:10 > 0:09:11That would be very nice, thank you.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14So, remind me how much we've got to spend?
0:09:14 > 0:09:15Ooh, we can't even agree on that.
0:09:15 > 0:09:17Oh, the first disagreement!
0:09:17 > 0:09:19- OK, well, try me.- Go on, Denise.
0:09:19 > 0:09:21Well, I said 400...
0:09:21 > 0:09:23but you actually pushed it up a bit, didn't you?
0:09:23 > 0:09:25- I think I went to 430.- Yeah.
0:09:25 > 0:09:27OK, well, let's look at 430 as the top budget
0:09:27 > 0:09:29if you're both comfortable with that.
0:09:29 > 0:09:30Well, we do have three, well, I think,
0:09:30 > 0:09:33particularly splendid properties to show you
0:09:33 > 0:09:36and, of course, pressure's on, in a good way,
0:09:36 > 0:09:37to find you that new home.
0:09:37 > 0:09:40- Shall we get started?- Please. - Follow me.- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:09:43 > 0:09:45With their Cheshire house sold,
0:09:45 > 0:09:48the pressure is on to find our buyers a new home.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51They have a top budget of £430,000
0:09:51 > 0:09:55but if we can find them something for less, Denise will be happy.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58They'd like a three-bedroom house with a large kitchen and boot room,
0:09:58 > 0:10:01land for the animals and outbuildings for Wayne,
0:10:01 > 0:10:02and they're happy to be
0:10:02 > 0:10:04somewhere really rural.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07We've found three amazing properties to show them,
0:10:07 > 0:10:09all set in beautiful Welsh scenery,
0:10:09 > 0:10:13but we'll keep the price a surprise until the end of each tour.
0:10:13 > 0:10:15The last stop will be the mystery house,
0:10:15 > 0:10:17which has a few secrets of its own.
0:10:21 > 0:10:23Now, you are moving to another country
0:10:23 > 0:10:26and, with that, does come another language.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29So, how keen are you on learning a little bit of Welsh?
0:10:29 > 0:10:33- I'll give anything a go.- Yeah? - Yeah, I'll give it another go.
0:10:33 > 0:10:35Likewise. There's nothing in life that's impossible.
0:10:35 > 0:10:37You know, you've got to try.
0:10:37 > 0:10:41You know, we've got to fit in with our immediate neighbours
0:10:41 > 0:10:44if indeed there are any, but our nearest neighbours.
0:10:44 > 0:10:46Yeah, it will be a nice challenge, it really will.
0:10:48 > 0:10:50Our first property is in Denbighshire,
0:10:50 > 0:10:53about two miles from the town of Corwen.
0:10:53 > 0:10:55With a population of over 2,000,
0:10:55 > 0:10:57Corwen is a historic market town
0:10:57 > 0:10:59located on the banks of the River Dee
0:10:59 > 0:11:02at the foot of the Berwyn Mountains.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05It grew up on the main route from London to Holyhead in Anglesey,
0:11:05 > 0:11:09although today's traffic takes a different route along the coast.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12Historically, it was known as a cattle droving town
0:11:12 > 0:11:15and today, it still has farming at its heart.
0:11:15 > 0:11:18Our chosen house is set amongst acres of farmland,
0:11:18 > 0:11:21just a five minute drive away.
0:11:21 > 0:11:23And here it is, our first house.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26What springs to your mind when you have a look at it?
0:11:26 > 0:11:27I like stone houses.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29- You do, don't you?- I do.
0:11:29 > 0:11:31- That's definitely on my wish list, a stone house.- Yeah.
0:11:31 > 0:11:33For me, it looks really light and airy
0:11:33 > 0:11:36and it's got a great view so, for me, yeah.
0:11:36 > 0:11:38At the moment, it looks like it's full of light.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41Right, we're going to start with the house
0:11:41 > 0:11:42and then we'll come onto the land.
0:11:42 > 0:11:44That's great, cheers, thank you.
0:11:44 > 0:11:47'The property was built as a chapel in the 1850s
0:11:47 > 0:11:49'and then converted into three workers' cottages,
0:11:49 > 0:11:52'but today, it's just one home.'
0:11:52 > 0:11:57So, I thought I'd start us off with the kitchen.
0:11:57 > 0:11:59And I think you know why, don't you, Denise?
0:11:59 > 0:12:00Yeah, cos it's lovely.
0:12:00 > 0:12:02Fireplace.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05That wasn't on my wish list but it's lovely.
0:12:05 > 0:12:06This a fabulous area,
0:12:06 > 0:12:08and for you, it's exactly what you want, isn't it?
0:12:08 > 0:12:10- Yeah, a big kitchen.- Very much.
0:12:10 > 0:12:12Yeah, it's nice.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15It doesn't feel as...country cottage-y
0:12:15 > 0:12:18as I thought it would be, for me,
0:12:18 > 0:12:21but the fireplace is a definite plus point in this room.
0:12:21 > 0:12:23The kitchen units can be changed.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26I just don't get the country cottage-y feel.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29Massive space, loads of scope.
0:12:29 > 0:12:32Could you put in the country kitchen for Denise in here?
0:12:32 > 0:12:34Yes.
0:12:34 > 0:12:35Yeah, it's an absolute yes. It can be done.
0:12:35 > 0:12:37Wouldn't scare you?
0:12:37 > 0:12:38No, it wouldn't scare me at all, no.
0:12:38 > 0:12:40No, anything can be done.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44I'm pleased my buyers can see the potential here.
0:12:44 > 0:12:47Let's hope that continues in the sitting room.
0:12:47 > 0:12:49Can you imagine yourself sitting in here?
0:12:49 > 0:12:51Yeah, yeah, I think I could, yeah.
0:12:51 > 0:12:53I'm warming to it a bit.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55When I first came in, the kitchen was nice,
0:12:55 > 0:12:58but I didn't get the initial homely feel.
0:12:58 > 0:13:01But, yeah, I think with a bit of TLC.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04I think this house has wonderful potential.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07- It's whether you want to invest that time into it.- Uh-huh.
0:13:07 > 0:13:09We know you can do the kitchen, I wonder what else you can do?
0:13:09 > 0:13:12I want to see outside. THEY LAUGH
0:13:12 > 0:13:15- Well, let's keeping going. Wayne, if you want to lead the way.- Sure.
0:13:15 > 0:13:19'As the house was three cottages, the layout is a little confusing,
0:13:19 > 0:13:22'but it does offer a lot of space.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25'There's a boot room, which I know Denise wanted,
0:13:25 > 0:13:28'as well as a study and second sitting room.'
0:13:30 > 0:13:31If your family came to stay,
0:13:31 > 0:13:33there is enough space with this property.
0:13:33 > 0:13:35I quite like the fact that it's not one big room,
0:13:35 > 0:13:37that it's several small ones.
0:13:37 > 0:13:39It's more adaptable, more useful for me.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41Is it feeling like a home yet?
0:13:42 > 0:13:44- I'd have to see upstairs first.- OK.
0:13:44 > 0:13:46Good point. Let's go and have a look.
0:13:46 > 0:13:50As with many cottages, the staircase is rather steep.
0:13:50 > 0:13:52Upstairs are six bedrooms.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54One is currently being used mainly for storage
0:13:54 > 0:13:57as it's a walk through between other rooms.
0:13:57 > 0:13:59Next door is a good size double.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02At the end of the house, there's a large single bedroom
0:14:02 > 0:14:04and another double.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07Plenty of room for friends and family to stay over.
0:14:07 > 0:14:09In the centre of the house is a family bathroom
0:14:09 > 0:14:12which is light, airy and very spacious.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15And opposite that there's a separate shower room.
0:14:15 > 0:14:18At the other end of the house, there are two further bedrooms.
0:14:18 > 0:14:21- So, this is the master bedroom. - Good size.
0:14:21 > 0:14:25It's not massive, cos there's no wardrobes in here
0:14:25 > 0:14:27but if you've got as many bedrooms as that,
0:14:27 > 0:14:30then one could be just for my clothes.
0:14:30 > 0:14:32That's exactly what they've done next door.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34- That is their walk-in wardrobe.- OK.
0:14:34 > 0:14:36You could sacrifice one bedroom for that, couldn't you?
0:14:36 > 0:14:37Yes, we could, yeah.
0:14:37 > 0:14:40I'm still not getting the homely feel.
0:14:40 > 0:14:43- It hasn't bitten you, has it? - No, it's not.
0:14:43 > 0:14:45Well, it is time now, Wayne,
0:14:45 > 0:14:47to go outside...
0:14:47 > 0:14:48See what you think of the garden.
0:14:52 > 0:14:56Outside, the large garden is mainly lawn bordered by hedges.
0:14:56 > 0:14:58The lower part is fairly wild,
0:14:58 > 0:14:59which could give them plenty of scope
0:14:59 > 0:15:02to cultivate it or use for animals.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06Wayne, you've been very patient, very patient.
0:15:06 > 0:15:08The all-important land.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11Outbuildings, I can give you one.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14That little one there, the stone outbuilding
0:15:14 > 0:15:16but you could actually have a great workshop
0:15:16 > 0:15:18- perhaps at the top of the garden. - OK, all right.
0:15:18 > 0:15:22I'm offering you three quarters of an acre
0:15:22 > 0:15:23with a view like that.
0:15:23 > 0:15:24Is it enough?
0:15:24 > 0:15:26I'd prefer more.
0:15:26 > 0:15:27You would? OK.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29Oh, he's set the bar high, right.
0:15:29 > 0:15:33But how much is it on the market for? That is the question.
0:15:33 > 0:15:35I'm going to say...
0:15:35 > 0:15:37375?
0:15:37 > 0:15:38OK.
0:15:38 > 0:15:40And as I haven't got a clue...
0:15:41 > 0:15:43Um...
0:15:43 > 0:15:46I'll got for 385, but my wife is probably right.
0:15:46 > 0:15:48The asking price is...
0:15:48 > 0:15:51£400,000.
0:15:51 > 0:15:53It wasn't that far out.
0:15:53 > 0:15:54You don't seem too surprised by that.
0:15:54 > 0:15:58No, cos you get a lot of house for your money, you do,
0:15:58 > 0:15:59and it is a nice area.
0:15:59 > 0:16:01I would prefer a bit more land,
0:16:01 > 0:16:03but it's not the be all and end all,
0:16:03 > 0:16:05but I would like to see all the others as well.
0:16:05 > 0:16:06Yeah, of course.
0:16:06 > 0:16:08Now you know the price of our first house,
0:16:08 > 0:16:10why don't you take another look around together
0:16:10 > 0:16:13- and I'll catch up with you when you're ready.- Thank you.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20For £30,000 less than their maximum budget,
0:16:20 > 0:16:23this house offers them a large kitchen/dining room,
0:16:23 > 0:16:25the boot room for Denise
0:16:25 > 0:16:27and six bedrooms offering plenty
0:16:27 > 0:16:29of space for visiting family.
0:16:29 > 0:16:31There are fabulous views from the front of the house
0:16:31 > 0:16:33and at the back, well, there's not much
0:16:33 > 0:16:34in the way of outbuildings for Wayne.
0:16:34 > 0:16:36There's a large garden and terrace.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40- It's like a maze.- Uh-huh.
0:16:41 > 0:16:43So, this is the one that's on the other side of
0:16:43 > 0:16:45- the main bedroom, isn't it?- Yes.
0:16:45 > 0:16:47So we could knock this through, if we wanted to.
0:16:47 > 0:16:49Make one big bedroom.
0:16:49 > 0:16:51Or walk-in wardrobe.
0:16:51 > 0:16:53For me, this house hasn't got the homely feel.
0:16:53 > 0:16:55It's got the big kitchen,
0:16:55 > 0:16:58but it's got more negatives than positives for me.
0:16:58 > 0:17:00It's a lovely house
0:17:00 > 0:17:03and if only it had a little bit more land,
0:17:03 > 0:17:05that would be my main negative
0:17:05 > 0:17:08including the fact that it's got no outbuildings, unfortunately.
0:17:09 > 0:17:11- How we doing?- OK.
0:17:11 > 0:17:13I'm loving this view.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15I was very happy sitting there.
0:17:15 > 0:17:17But I'm going to drag you away
0:17:17 > 0:17:18cos I've got more to show you.
0:17:18 > 0:17:20- OK, thank you.- Thank you.
0:17:26 > 0:17:30The rugged landscape of Wales is home to over 17,000 farms.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32Although the country is well known for sheep farming,
0:17:32 > 0:17:38with Welsh lamb exports contributing over £160 million to the economy,
0:17:38 > 0:17:41the mountainous regions are equally suited to keeping goats.
0:17:41 > 0:17:44In the UK, there are around 90,000 goats
0:17:44 > 0:17:46mainly kept for their milk and meat,
0:17:46 > 0:17:49but some are also kept as pets.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52Wayne is really keen to keep goats when they move here,
0:17:52 > 0:17:54but doesn't know much about them.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57They're meeting Carol Allen who keeps a small herd of them here
0:17:57 > 0:18:00in the Llangollen Valley village of Cefn-mawr.
0:18:00 > 0:18:01Are they easy to care for?
0:18:01 > 0:18:04Do you have to watch out for any sort of diseases or anything like that?
0:18:04 > 0:18:06They don't really ail, goats, very much
0:18:06 > 0:18:11but I usually get mine tested every 18 months or two years
0:18:11 > 0:18:14just to check they haven't any notifiable diseases.
0:18:14 > 0:18:16Carol has five goats
0:18:16 > 0:18:18and started keeping them when she moved here
0:18:18 > 0:18:20to help clear the overgrown site.
0:18:20 > 0:18:21She keeps horses too.
0:18:23 > 0:18:25Are there any rules to keeping a goat?
0:18:25 > 0:18:29Yes, well, you have to live on a registered holding
0:18:29 > 0:18:32or have your land registered with a holding number.
0:18:32 > 0:18:34Your goats have to be tagged.
0:18:34 > 0:18:39When you move them from off the holding or onto the holding,
0:18:39 > 0:18:41you have to have, what we call, a movement order.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44You can get lots of advice on this
0:18:44 > 0:18:48from your local Environmental Health or Trading Standards officer.
0:18:49 > 0:18:53Carol recommends keeping two or three goats on an acre of land,
0:18:53 > 0:18:55and insists there must be adequate fencing
0:18:55 > 0:18:57as well as shelter against the rain,
0:18:57 > 0:19:00as their coats aren't waterproof like those of sheep.
0:19:00 > 0:19:02And their diet is pretty varied.
0:19:02 > 0:19:05They eat the weeds that the horses don't.
0:19:05 > 0:19:08They don't eat grass unless there's nothing else to eat.
0:19:08 > 0:19:10They eat the hedgerows back
0:19:10 > 0:19:14- so you'll actually gain up to ten foot on your field.- On your land.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18Looking after goats involves regularly inspecting their feet,
0:19:18 > 0:19:22and Carol is going to show Denise and Wayne what to look out for.
0:19:22 > 0:19:25Like sheep, if they spend too much time on wet grass,
0:19:25 > 0:19:26they can get foot rot,
0:19:26 > 0:19:29so need access to warm dry conditions
0:19:29 > 0:19:31to prevent this happening.
0:19:31 > 0:19:32Their feet should be checked regularly,
0:19:32 > 0:19:35and their hooves need to be clipped every couple of months
0:19:35 > 0:19:37to ensure the animal can walk comfortably.
0:19:38 > 0:19:40Carol milks her goats every morning,
0:19:40 > 0:19:43and today, Denise and Wayne are going to help.
0:19:44 > 0:19:46OK.
0:19:46 > 0:19:47Good girl.
0:19:47 > 0:19:50So, you have to squash the ends of the teats
0:19:50 > 0:19:53so that it's like squeezing a tube of toothpaste
0:19:53 > 0:19:55and then...
0:19:55 > 0:19:59- make a seal with your finger and thumb.- Yeah.
0:19:59 > 0:20:03and then squeeze out what's in there.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06It's like you're pushing the milk into the ends of the teat.
0:20:06 > 0:20:08And are you going to have a go at milking, Wayne?
0:20:08 > 0:20:10Yes, I'll give it a go yeah, yeah.
0:20:10 > 0:20:11- And how's that?- Yeah.
0:20:14 > 0:20:16- This doesn't hurt them or anything, does it?- Oh, no, no.
0:20:16 > 0:20:18It's a relief for them.
0:20:18 > 0:20:20And how often do you milk them?
0:20:20 > 0:20:21I milk once a day.
0:20:21 > 0:20:25- You can milk twice a day.- Yeah.
0:20:25 > 0:20:30- Make sure you milk at roughly the same time each day.- Yeah.
0:20:30 > 0:20:32Is that to keep the goat in, like, a routine?
0:20:32 > 0:20:34Yes, it keeps the goat in a routine,
0:20:34 > 0:20:37it prevents them from getting mastitis.
0:20:37 > 0:20:40Hopefully Wayne has been given an insight into
0:20:40 > 0:20:43what's involved in goat husbandry.
0:20:43 > 0:20:47But, for now, our job is to help them find a new rural home.
0:20:50 > 0:20:51Our second property is in the heart
0:20:51 > 0:20:53of rural countryside
0:20:53 > 0:20:54in a hamlet called Clocaenog,
0:20:54 > 0:20:58which is about four miles away from Ruthin.
0:20:58 > 0:21:00Ruthin is the county town of Denbighshire
0:21:00 > 0:21:03with a population of around 5,000.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06It boasts a historical mix of Tudor and Georgian property,
0:21:06 > 0:21:09including the half-timbered Old Courthouse
0:21:09 > 0:21:10which is now a bank.
0:21:10 > 0:21:15Ruthin Castle was built by Edward I in 1282.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18It was rebuilt in the 19th century as a country house
0:21:18 > 0:21:20and today is a luxury hotel.
0:21:22 > 0:21:25Because of the town's mix of magnificent period property,
0:21:25 > 0:21:28it is now listed as a conservation area.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31Ten minutes drive brings us to the hamlet of Clocaenog
0:21:31 > 0:21:32and our second offering.
0:21:34 > 0:21:37So, welcome...to house number two.
0:21:37 > 0:21:39It's nice.
0:21:39 > 0:21:41Yeah, it is. It's L-shaped.
0:21:41 > 0:21:43I like the location.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45- It's got a nicer feel...- Yeah. - ..than the first house.
0:21:45 > 0:21:46It's quieter.
0:21:46 > 0:21:47Is it welcoming?
0:21:47 > 0:21:51Yeah, it's more homely feel from the outside straightaway.
0:21:51 > 0:21:55The Clwydian Range, as you can see, is your neighbour.
0:21:55 > 0:21:59- It's nice...- Yeah.- ..for me so far. - I'd have to agree, definitely.
0:21:59 > 0:22:01- So we like the outside.- Yes.
0:22:01 > 0:22:03- Shall we see what you make of the inside?- Please, yeah.- Please.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06OK, well, follow me back cos the back door is beckoning.
0:22:08 > 0:22:10The house was originally a single-storey cottage
0:22:10 > 0:22:13which has been extended to create a large family home
0:22:13 > 0:22:16with bags of character and original features.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20- So you've got a boot room, a utility room.- Uh-huh.- Wow.
0:22:22 > 0:22:26- But this is why I wanted to bring you...- Wow.- ..through the back door.
0:22:26 > 0:22:28This is nice.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31- It is.- Wow.- It's lovely. It is lovely.
0:22:31 > 0:22:36The beams are lovely, it's got character, it's large.
0:22:36 > 0:22:38It doesn't need anything doing to it.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41- Wow.- That's what you had in your mind as a kitchen.- Yeah.
0:22:41 > 0:22:45The floor's lovely, the units are lovely, it's got Belfast sink.
0:22:45 > 0:22:48- Well done.- Well done, yeah, really, honestly.
0:22:48 > 0:22:52And then we haven't even mentioned the actual dining space.
0:22:52 > 0:22:56It's got character and it feels homely as well.
0:22:56 > 0:22:57It's nice.
0:22:57 > 0:22:59I bet you're keen to see more now, aren't you?
0:22:59 > 0:23:02- Yeah, it's very impressive, really is.- It's lovely.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05- Let's see if the rest of the house is for you.- Yes.- Please.
0:23:05 > 0:23:08'That's certainly a positive start.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11'I just hope that feeling continues as we head into the living room
0:23:11 > 0:23:13'which is on the first floor.'
0:23:13 > 0:23:17So you may be expecting a bedroom up here.
0:23:17 > 0:23:18- Yeah.- Yes, we were.
0:23:18 > 0:23:20I'm sure you weren't expecting all of this space.
0:23:20 > 0:23:22No, we weren't.
0:23:22 > 0:23:23I don't really know what to say,
0:23:23 > 0:23:25I've never really thought of a living room upstairs.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28Well, at the moment, they're using it as a sitting room,
0:23:28 > 0:23:30really, to maximise those fabulous views
0:23:30 > 0:23:33but just because they want a sitting room up here
0:23:33 > 0:23:35doesn't mean to say you have to.
0:23:35 > 0:23:37It could be a bedroom.
0:23:37 > 0:23:38- It's good.- Yeah?- Really, honestly.
0:23:38 > 0:23:42- It hasn't put you off?- No.- No.- No.
0:23:42 > 0:23:44If they didn't want to use this room as a sitting room,
0:23:44 > 0:23:46there's another living room downstairs,
0:23:46 > 0:23:49next door to the family bathroom.
0:23:49 > 0:23:53Upstairs, there are three bedrooms, each room is light and bright,
0:23:53 > 0:23:55and there's a newly-fitted shower room too.
0:23:56 > 0:23:58On the ground floor is a fourth bedroom
0:23:58 > 0:24:01so there's plenty of room for visiting family.
0:24:01 > 0:24:05So, here...you've got the master bedroom.
0:24:05 > 0:24:09It's weird. That room just threw me and it's, I don't know, it's weird.
0:24:09 > 0:24:11I've confused you now with this, haven't I?
0:24:11 > 0:24:13Yeah, cos I originally walked in here and thought,
0:24:13 > 0:24:14"It's a little small."
0:24:14 > 0:24:16All the other rooms are so large.
0:24:16 > 0:24:18- It's done very nice.- It is, yeah.
0:24:18 > 0:24:20It's done really nice.
0:24:20 > 0:24:21It's very homely.
0:24:21 > 0:24:23But could it be your home?
0:24:23 > 0:24:24Ooh.
0:24:24 > 0:24:29I think Denise is a little confused about the layout of this house.
0:24:29 > 0:24:32I just hope the outside offers the space Wayne wants.
0:24:33 > 0:24:35It's so lovely here.
0:24:35 > 0:24:37So, the outside area,
0:24:37 > 0:24:40you've got a double stable block, you've got a tack room.
0:24:40 > 0:24:41Perfect for goats.
0:24:41 > 0:24:43Perfect for goats.
0:24:43 > 0:24:45- Yeah? Intrigued?- Yes.- Yeah.
0:24:45 > 0:24:47Well, I've got one more thing to show you.
0:24:47 > 0:24:48- If you'd like to follow me.- Sure.
0:24:50 > 0:24:51The current owners have created
0:24:51 > 0:24:53a pretty cottage garden around the house
0:24:53 > 0:24:56complimented by the stunning views.
0:24:56 > 0:24:57But just a few yards down the lane
0:24:57 > 0:25:00is the icing on the cake for this property,
0:25:00 > 0:25:02which I'm hoping will swing it for Wayne
0:25:02 > 0:25:04with his desire to keep animals.
0:25:06 > 0:25:08I wanted to bring you up here.
0:25:08 > 0:25:10Take a look at that little bit of land there.
0:25:10 > 0:25:12This belongs to the house?
0:25:12 > 0:25:13This belongs to the house.
0:25:13 > 0:25:15The whole thing up to the trees?
0:25:15 > 0:25:17Yep. Just under two acres.
0:25:17 > 0:25:19It is practically next door.
0:25:19 > 0:25:21You've got one house in between you.
0:25:21 > 0:25:24That's great. That's quite a surprise.
0:25:24 > 0:25:27- Enough for you?- Gosh, yeah.- Yeah? - Cheers, yeah, thank you.
0:25:27 > 0:25:29So let's go back to the property
0:25:29 > 0:25:32- because now you really have got to come up with the price.- Oh, no.
0:25:36 > 0:25:40So, this house does seem to fulfil the brief pretty well,
0:25:40 > 0:25:43but how much do you think it's on the market for?
0:25:43 > 0:25:46- Dee?- Oh, gosh. Erm...
0:25:46 > 0:25:49I'd guess...425.
0:25:50 > 0:25:54And I think it's right at the top end of our budget, 430.
0:25:54 > 0:25:56You're both really close.
0:25:56 > 0:25:58Someone is spot-on.
0:26:01 > 0:26:03Asking price - £425,000.
0:26:03 > 0:26:05Oh, hey, hey.
0:26:05 > 0:26:08Well, that kiss, was that to celebrate her getting it right
0:26:08 > 0:26:10or, more importantly, that it's under your budget?
0:26:10 > 0:26:12Well, she's just saved me £5,000
0:26:12 > 0:26:15and it's a lot of house.
0:26:15 > 0:26:16I thought it would be more than that.
0:26:16 > 0:26:18It's quite a nice surprise, really.
0:26:18 > 0:26:21- Take another look around. - Oh, please, yeah.
0:26:21 > 0:26:23And work out if this is where you want to live your lives.
0:26:23 > 0:26:26- Have another, have a view. - Thank you very much.- Thank you.
0:26:28 > 0:26:33Our second property comes in £5,000 under their maximum budget
0:26:33 > 0:26:34and offers a spacious house
0:26:34 > 0:26:36with beautiful views.
0:26:36 > 0:26:38It has a big family kitchen, which
0:26:38 > 0:26:39Denise has fallen in love with,
0:26:39 > 0:26:41a utility boot room
0:26:41 > 0:26:43and there are four bedrooms -
0:26:43 > 0:26:45one more than they asked for.
0:26:45 > 0:26:47Outside are cottage gardens, stables
0:26:47 > 0:26:50and a 1.75 acre paddock.
0:26:51 > 0:26:55- It's actually quite good, isn't it? Quite large.- It is, yeah.
0:26:55 > 0:26:56So that'd be perfect, wouldn't it?
0:26:56 > 0:26:58Yeah, for the goats.
0:26:58 > 0:27:00Yeah, yeah, that's perfect, isn't it?
0:27:00 > 0:27:02The kitchen's the best feature of the house
0:27:02 > 0:27:04and it's everything I asked for, to be honest.
0:27:04 > 0:27:06Big country cottage kitchen,
0:27:06 > 0:27:07I wouldn't change anything at all.
0:27:07 > 0:27:09Lovely house inside.
0:27:09 > 0:27:13I can't find a single negative about the inside of the house
0:27:13 > 0:27:14in any way shape or form.
0:27:14 > 0:27:17There is some land a little bit further up the lane.
0:27:17 > 0:27:19If that was the one caveat, really,
0:27:19 > 0:27:21we would've preferred the land attached to the house,
0:27:21 > 0:27:25but I don't think that that would be a complete no-no.
0:27:29 > 0:27:30- Are you ready, you two?- We are.
0:27:30 > 0:27:34I feel a bit mean dragging you away, is the truth.
0:27:34 > 0:27:35But, well, it's the end of our first day.
0:27:35 > 0:27:38I think it's gone pretty well.
0:27:38 > 0:27:39- Yeah.- Very.- Yeah.
0:27:39 > 0:27:42- Yeah, we ended on a high note, I feel.- We did.- Definitely.
0:27:42 > 0:27:43And I've got more to show you tomorrow.
0:27:43 > 0:27:46- So, let's hit the road. - Looking forward to it.- Thank you.
0:27:53 > 0:27:56It's the second day of our property search for Wayne and Denise,
0:27:56 > 0:27:59who are looking to move from their noisy home in Cheshire
0:27:59 > 0:28:02to a rural retreat, here in North Wales
0:28:02 > 0:28:05on a budget of £430,000.
0:28:05 > 0:28:09Still to come, will the final property surprise our buyers?
0:28:09 > 0:28:12- That's good.- I wasn't expecting that.
0:28:12 > 0:28:13That's really good.
0:28:13 > 0:28:15And can my head for heights cope with
0:28:15 > 0:28:18a spectacular piece of engineering?
0:28:18 > 0:28:20It's a sheer drop to the river below.
0:28:20 > 0:28:21Oh, my word.
0:28:23 > 0:28:25Yesterday, I thought we got very close
0:28:25 > 0:28:28to finding Denise and Wayne their future home,
0:28:28 > 0:28:32although something didn't quite sit right with Denise.
0:28:32 > 0:28:36Now, I believe that second property gave them everything they were after
0:28:36 > 0:28:40but the layout and the fact that the land was just down the lane
0:28:40 > 0:28:42did seem to confuse her.
0:28:42 > 0:28:44So, there is unfinished business here,
0:28:44 > 0:28:48and today, we're going to introduce them to our mystery house.
0:28:48 > 0:28:50Now, this home delivers on all fronts.
0:28:50 > 0:28:52Set in its own land
0:28:52 > 0:28:55and even has an up-and-running business.
0:28:59 > 0:29:03So, are you looking forward to the mystery house?
0:29:03 > 0:29:05I don't know. This is like pulling the rabbit out of the hat.
0:29:05 > 0:29:07This could be the one
0:29:07 > 0:29:09or could be completely,
0:29:09 > 0:29:12you know, against everything that we were after, so...
0:29:12 > 0:29:16Perhaps all we're going to show you...is an outbuilding.
0:29:16 > 0:29:20Yes, or indeed, a large green field with no house on it at all.
0:29:20 > 0:29:22You'd like that.
0:29:22 > 0:29:25I don't know if you'd remain married, but you'd like that.
0:29:25 > 0:29:26Well, let's see how we get on.
0:29:28 > 0:29:30Our third and final house
0:29:30 > 0:29:32is in the county of Conwy.
0:29:32 > 0:29:34It's situated in Llanfairtalhaiarn,
0:29:34 > 0:29:37which is 12 miles from the village of Llansannan
0:29:37 > 0:29:39and is just under eight miles from the coast.
0:29:39 > 0:29:44Llansannan is a small village with a shop and a popular pub.
0:29:44 > 0:29:47The village landmark is a statue of a little girl
0:29:47 > 0:29:50built to commemorate famous locals who lived here.
0:29:50 > 0:29:53It was the work of sculpture William Goscombe John
0:29:53 > 0:29:55and unveiled in 1899.
0:29:55 > 0:29:58A 20-minute drive from Llansannan is the mystery house,
0:29:58 > 0:30:01situated on a very quiet lane.
0:30:01 > 0:30:02Through the gate...
0:30:05 > 0:30:09..to take a really good look at your mystery house.
0:30:09 > 0:30:12It's smaller than house two
0:30:12 > 0:30:14but it's nice and quiet.
0:30:14 > 0:30:16Why is it a mystery?
0:30:16 > 0:30:17Why is it the mystery?
0:30:17 > 0:30:19Well...first thing is...
0:30:19 > 0:30:22your nearest neighbour's about a quarter of a mile away,
0:30:22 > 0:30:26and you wanted to be rural, you didn't want to see anybody else.
0:30:26 > 0:30:27That's the Aled valley,
0:30:27 > 0:30:30- that is where your closest neighbour is going to be.- That's good.
0:30:30 > 0:30:32So I might be a little bit naughty on this one.
0:30:32 > 0:30:35I normally reveal straightaway why it's the mystery house,
0:30:35 > 0:30:38- but do you mind if I keep a little bit back?- No, gosh, no.- No, no.
0:30:38 > 0:30:40- Shall I keep you guessing? - Good so far.
0:30:40 > 0:30:42Well, let's see how we get on, let's start on the tour.
0:30:42 > 0:30:44- Thank you.- Great, thanks.
0:30:44 > 0:30:46'So far, so good.
0:30:46 > 0:30:48'Now it's time to show them the inside,
0:30:48 > 0:30:50'which I hope will go down as well.'
0:30:50 > 0:30:54So, welcome...to your Welsh cottage.
0:30:54 > 0:30:57You've got a utility/boot room there
0:30:57 > 0:31:01and this is the first of two reception rooms.
0:31:01 > 0:31:03- That's nice.- Yeah, that's good.- Yes. - Good feeling.
0:31:03 > 0:31:07It's got character. I like the beam. Bit of character.
0:31:07 > 0:31:08- It's a nice fireplace.- Yes, it is.
0:31:08 > 0:31:10It's like a little snug.
0:31:10 > 0:31:12- It is, that's a good word for it... - Yeah.- ..a snug.
0:31:12 > 0:31:15If you wouldn't mind leading the way for me, Wayne, into the kitchen.
0:31:20 > 0:31:25So, the kitchen also has a dining area incorporated.
0:31:25 > 0:31:29Now, I did show you a massive kitchen/living room yesterday,
0:31:29 > 0:31:31which I think is a little unfair to this cottage
0:31:31 > 0:31:33because I think it has its own merits
0:31:33 > 0:31:36and it's hard...it's hard not to compare the two.
0:31:36 > 0:31:37Mm...yes.
0:31:37 > 0:31:41- I spoilt you yesterday. - You did, you spoilt me, yes.
0:31:41 > 0:31:42But it's nice though.
0:31:42 > 0:31:44It's got a nice feel.
0:31:44 > 0:31:46And you've not wrinkled your nose yet, so it's good.
0:31:46 > 0:31:48No, I haven't, no. Not yet, no, no.
0:31:48 > 0:31:50It does feel quite homely,
0:31:50 > 0:31:53I'm just trying to warm to it a bit more,
0:31:53 > 0:31:55cos you spoilt me so much yesterday.
0:31:55 > 0:31:59I know, it's keeping you both happy and trying to get the balance.
0:31:59 > 0:32:01You've got a downstairs shower room there
0:32:01 > 0:32:03and then you'll probably notice there's some stairs going up
0:32:03 > 0:32:06but just to the side of that, there's another door
0:32:06 > 0:32:08- and that's your second sitting room. - Okey dokey.
0:32:08 > 0:32:11- It's about the same size. - That's all right.- Yeah.
0:32:11 > 0:32:13I'll reveal more as we go round.
0:32:13 > 0:32:14After you.
0:32:16 > 0:32:19Upstairs, there are two good size doubles,
0:32:19 > 0:32:21both bright and neutrally-decorated,
0:32:21 > 0:32:25and opposite is the large and bright family bathroom.
0:32:25 > 0:32:28We're headed to the master bedroom.
0:32:28 > 0:32:31I like this room, this is my favourite room.
0:32:31 > 0:32:33- So, you're going to live in here. - Yeah, I am.
0:32:33 > 0:32:35- I like this room, it's lovely. - That's good news.
0:32:35 > 0:32:37There's a glimmer of light
0:32:37 > 0:32:40but I'm still feeling quite confident
0:32:40 > 0:32:42- because I've got so much more to show you.- OK.
0:32:44 > 0:32:46Denise seems pleased,
0:32:46 > 0:32:49but just wait until they see what I have to show them outside.
0:32:49 > 0:32:51I think they're going to be quite surprised.
0:32:51 > 0:32:53There's a pretty summer house
0:32:53 > 0:32:55which is surrounded by mature cottage garden.
0:32:55 > 0:32:58The borders are packed with a variety of plants,
0:32:58 > 0:33:00and there's plenty more to see.
0:33:02 > 0:33:04Now, there's an awful lot to point out
0:33:04 > 0:33:06so you've got a double car port,
0:33:06 > 0:33:10you've got a workshop plus a wood shed.
0:33:10 > 0:33:13- Keep going.- You've got a chicken coop here.- Oh, better again.
0:33:13 > 0:33:17Ahead of you, you've got another workshop, that's the second one,
0:33:17 > 0:33:20plus, well, to the right, they used to keep their goats in there.
0:33:20 > 0:33:23- Keep going, please. - And there's even more round here.
0:33:23 > 0:33:25At the bottom end of the site,
0:33:25 > 0:33:27there's room for Denise to grow some vegetables,
0:33:27 > 0:33:29there's also a polytunnel.
0:33:29 > 0:33:35And if all that wasn't enough with these spectacular views,
0:33:35 > 0:33:37may I present to you...
0:33:37 > 0:33:39the mystery chalet.
0:33:39 > 0:33:41- That's good.- I wasn't expecting that.
0:33:41 > 0:33:43That's really good.
0:33:43 > 0:33:46The owner rents that out about six months of the year.
0:33:46 > 0:33:49It's already a successful business.
0:33:49 > 0:33:51On top of that,
0:33:51 > 0:33:55you've got 3.2 acres of land
0:33:55 > 0:33:57in this beautiful setting.
0:33:57 > 0:33:59It is. That's really good.
0:33:59 > 0:34:03How much do you think this Welsh cottage is on the market for?
0:34:03 > 0:34:07I'm going to say...445.
0:34:09 > 0:34:12Oh, gosh. I think it's over our budget...
0:34:12 > 0:34:13440.
0:34:13 > 0:34:17You are so good at this, you really are.
0:34:17 > 0:34:20The asking price is £445,000.
0:34:20 > 0:34:21- Wow.- How do you do that?
0:34:21 > 0:34:24- It's just a lucky guess.- Right, yes.
0:34:24 > 0:34:26They're aware of your budget,
0:34:26 > 0:34:29and they are more than happy to have that discussion
0:34:29 > 0:34:30and negotiate with you.
0:34:30 > 0:34:34- That makes it a lot more attractive, doesn't it?- Yeah, it does, yeah.
0:34:34 > 0:34:35So, take another look around.
0:34:35 > 0:34:37Start off with the chalet,
0:34:37 > 0:34:39you have lots of land to explore as well.
0:34:39 > 0:34:41I think you're going to need some time, aren't you?
0:34:41 > 0:34:44- So, why don't you get started? - Thank you.- Cheers.
0:34:44 > 0:34:48This mystery house has so much going for it.
0:34:48 > 0:34:53It, you know, provides the land, the opportunities, the business...
0:34:53 > 0:34:58It's just the cottage which I've got a slight concern of with Denise.
0:34:58 > 0:34:59I think she's being polite.
0:34:59 > 0:35:03In a way, in her heart, she does want a larger home.
0:35:05 > 0:35:08The mystery house is £15,000 over their budget
0:35:08 > 0:35:09but there could be room for
0:35:09 > 0:35:11manoeuvre with this price.
0:35:11 > 0:35:12The house isn't huge
0:35:12 > 0:35:14but it offers three bedrooms
0:35:14 > 0:35:16and a boot room that Denise wanted.
0:35:16 > 0:35:17But the joy of this property
0:35:17 > 0:35:19is outside,
0:35:19 > 0:35:21where there are fantastic views
0:35:21 > 0:35:22and everything they wanted.
0:35:22 > 0:35:25Plus there's a log cabin,
0:35:25 > 0:35:26ideal for visiting family
0:35:26 > 0:35:29or to bring in some extra income.
0:35:29 > 0:35:32The house is not as large as house number two.
0:35:32 > 0:35:35I haven't got the large kitchen that I asked for
0:35:35 > 0:35:38but, all the same, you're getting a lot for your money here,
0:35:38 > 0:35:41but, yeah, I may have to compromise on this house a little bit
0:35:41 > 0:35:43cos I know Wayne likes it a lot.
0:35:43 > 0:35:45When Nicki took us through the grounds,
0:35:45 > 0:35:47we then come to a wooden chalet,
0:35:47 > 0:35:51which is something that neither me nor Denise seriously expected
0:35:51 > 0:35:54and that's brought a whole different perspective into it
0:35:54 > 0:35:58because, clearly, there is separate accommodation for our family
0:35:58 > 0:36:01and, also, the possibility of an income generation as well,
0:36:01 > 0:36:03which we never considered before.
0:36:04 > 0:36:06Oh, wow. Gosh.
0:36:06 > 0:36:08- This is impressive. - I wasn't expecting this.
0:36:08 > 0:36:10- No, nor was I.- I really wasn't.
0:36:10 > 0:36:15In conclusion, I think the mystery property's a definite possibility.
0:36:15 > 0:36:16This is a lovely house.
0:36:17 > 0:36:20- Have we seen enough?- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:36:20 > 0:36:23Funnily enough, I knew I'd find you two outside.
0:36:23 > 0:36:25Can't get him in.
0:36:25 > 0:36:27It's nice, it's a nice day, why not?
0:36:27 > 0:36:28- You don't want to leave, do you?- No.
0:36:28 > 0:36:30Well, that's it, you've seen our three houses.
0:36:30 > 0:36:32- Let's go and have a chat.- Thank you.
0:36:37 > 0:36:41One of the best known waterways in Wales is the Llangollen Canal,
0:36:41 > 0:36:43which crosses the border between England and Wales
0:36:43 > 0:36:46linking Llangollen with South Cheshire.
0:36:46 > 0:36:47At 80 miles in length,
0:36:47 > 0:36:49it's popular with tourists,
0:36:49 > 0:36:51and every year, thousands of narrow boats navigate
0:36:51 > 0:36:53this stretch of water.
0:36:53 > 0:36:56Howard Griffiths, from the Canal and Waterways Trust,
0:36:56 > 0:36:57is going to tell me more.
0:36:58 > 0:37:00How old is it? What does it date back to?
0:37:00 > 0:37:03It was, erm...late 1700s.
0:37:03 > 0:37:06It was built to join the River Severn to the River Mersey
0:37:06 > 0:37:09to get to the docks at Bristol and at Liverpool.
0:37:09 > 0:37:11And what would they have actually used the canal for?
0:37:11 > 0:37:14You say it's to join up those two cities,
0:37:14 > 0:37:15but what would it have been?
0:37:15 > 0:37:19North Wales and the area is high in limestone and slate,
0:37:19 > 0:37:22coal, erm...to some extent wool.
0:37:22 > 0:37:25Now, this area is famous for its aqueduct.
0:37:25 > 0:37:28In actual fact, isn't it the highest aqueduct in the whole of the UK?
0:37:28 > 0:37:30It is, yeah, definitely,
0:37:30 > 0:37:36and it's the highest and longest cast iron aqueduct in the world.
0:37:36 > 0:37:40The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct was finished in 1805.
0:37:40 > 0:37:42This breathtaking piece of engineering was built
0:37:42 > 0:37:45by civil engineer Thomas Telford
0:37:45 > 0:37:47with the help of William Jessop.
0:37:47 > 0:37:49It's 1,007 feet long
0:37:49 > 0:37:53and stands proud above the valley of the River Dee.
0:37:53 > 0:37:55- It's so high, I could be quite scared.- Yes.
0:37:55 > 0:37:57How long's the drop?
0:37:57 > 0:38:00About 126 feet, something like that.
0:38:00 > 0:38:02Well, I don't think I suffer from vertigo...
0:38:02 > 0:38:06- We'll find out.- ..but let's see how I get on. Come on then.
0:38:06 > 0:38:09Every year, around 12,000 boats go over the aqueduct,
0:38:09 > 0:38:12so it's a really busy section of the canal,
0:38:12 > 0:38:15and as it's single file, you have to wait your turn.
0:38:17 > 0:38:18With going across the aqueduct,
0:38:18 > 0:38:21if there's a boat already on there, they've got right of way.
0:38:21 > 0:38:23But, apart from that, it's first come, first served.
0:38:23 > 0:38:24Thank you!
0:38:24 > 0:38:27So, aqueduct's clear, it's our right of way.
0:38:30 > 0:38:33The aqueduct took ten years to design and build
0:38:33 > 0:38:36at a total cost of £47,000.
0:38:36 > 0:38:40That's equivalent to over £3 million today.
0:38:40 > 0:38:44The first stone was laid in July 1795.
0:38:44 > 0:38:46There are 18 piers, or uprights,
0:38:46 > 0:38:49each with a 45-foot span.
0:38:49 > 0:38:53The cast iron trough holds some 1.5 million litres of water
0:38:53 > 0:38:56and so, to keep the overall weight of the construction down,
0:38:56 > 0:38:59the top third of each pillar was kept hollow.
0:38:59 > 0:39:02Because it's so narrow, that does seem like a very long drop.
0:39:02 > 0:39:05I think if it was wider, it wouldn't feel quite so bad,
0:39:05 > 0:39:10but I literally am peering over the side into the abyss.
0:39:11 > 0:39:14It is quite a spectacle, isn't it?
0:39:14 > 0:39:17- I mean, we are so high up.- Yeah.
0:39:17 > 0:39:20So, does the aqueduct actually take much maintenance?
0:39:20 > 0:39:23I mean, 200 years old, that's pretty ancient.
0:39:23 > 0:39:26It is but we've done nothing at all to the piers.
0:39:26 > 0:39:30We've renewed a tow path back in 2004.
0:39:30 > 0:39:32But remarkable - that feat of engineering,
0:39:32 > 0:39:35something that they thought about, constructed and designed,
0:39:35 > 0:39:39- has lasted so long with very little maintenance.- Yeah.
0:39:39 > 0:39:41You can't say that about many things today, can you?
0:39:41 > 0:39:42No, you can't, you can't.
0:39:42 > 0:39:46I wonder if Telford and Jessop truly realised,
0:39:46 > 0:39:49some 200 years later,
0:39:49 > 0:39:52this feat of engineering was going to be enjoyed
0:39:52 > 0:39:54by thousands of holiday-makers
0:39:54 > 0:39:59- rather than carrying hundreds of thousands of tonnes of coal?- Yeah.
0:39:59 > 0:40:02May the legacy of Telford and Jessop live on.
0:40:02 > 0:40:04Oh, I think it will.
0:40:04 > 0:40:05It's lasted 200,
0:40:05 > 0:40:08and I'm sure, when we're all gone, and in another 200 years,
0:40:08 > 0:40:09it'll still be stood here.
0:40:13 > 0:40:16It's been an interesting few days with Wayne and Denise.
0:40:16 > 0:40:20We made them both happy, but with different houses.
0:40:20 > 0:40:22Let's see if they can agree on just one.
0:40:26 > 0:40:28Well, we've had a great few days, haven't we?
0:40:28 > 0:40:31I mean, this is such a life change for you both.
0:40:31 > 0:40:35You're going from busy, busy lives to rural new life.
0:40:35 > 0:40:38I just wonder, have we got close?
0:40:38 > 0:40:40- Very close.- Have we?- Yeah.
0:40:40 > 0:40:43The second house and the mystery house.
0:40:43 > 0:40:45And is there a favourite between the two?
0:40:45 > 0:40:47They both bring something completely different.
0:40:47 > 0:40:51Property number two was absolutely, utterly stunning inside,
0:40:51 > 0:40:54- it really was.- Yes, it was.
0:40:54 > 0:40:59Unfortunately, the outside didn't quite match up to what we wanted
0:40:59 > 0:41:01but the inside is absolutely stunning
0:41:01 > 0:41:05and it's still not been struck off our list really, has it?
0:41:05 > 0:41:06No, no.
0:41:06 > 0:41:09And house number three...gosh.
0:41:09 > 0:41:11We arrived, it's smaller than house number two
0:41:11 > 0:41:14but it just got better and better and better
0:41:14 > 0:41:16and as we went outside and all the outbuildings
0:41:16 > 0:41:19and the land that surrounds it...
0:41:19 > 0:41:21And it's a very tough decision to make
0:41:21 > 0:41:23between the two, really, I think.
0:41:23 > 0:41:25I think it's more tough for me than it is for Wayne.
0:41:25 > 0:41:29I think, for number three, I think I feel like I need to compromise.
0:41:29 > 0:41:32It is important, when you move, that you're both happy,
0:41:32 > 0:41:35and I'm not quite sure we've got there.
0:41:35 > 0:41:37So what is the next move going to be?
0:41:37 > 0:41:41I need to sit down with my wife and just discuss it
0:41:41 > 0:41:44and see which one of the two that we prefer,
0:41:44 > 0:41:46but both, honestly, are in the running.
0:41:46 > 0:41:50So we're leaving you today with a huge question mark in the air.
0:41:50 > 0:41:53More discussions, more thoughts about those properties,
0:41:53 > 0:41:56but I'm glad we've been able to help you make that first step.
0:41:56 > 0:41:58Let's see how you get on
0:41:58 > 0:42:01and, well, whatever happens, let us know, won't you?
0:42:01 > 0:42:04- We will.- Of course, yes. Thank you very, very much.- Thank you so much.
0:42:04 > 0:42:06You're welcome, and I know the one thing that is guaranteed is
0:42:06 > 0:42:08you're going to be moving to Wales.
0:42:08 > 0:42:11- Oh, yes, thank you. - Yeah, definitely, thank you.
0:42:13 > 0:42:16Although we didn't secure a house sale,
0:42:16 > 0:42:19I feel we can leave Wayne and Denise safe in the knowledge
0:42:19 > 0:42:23that North Wales is where they want to move to.
0:42:23 > 0:42:25And so often we talk about compromise
0:42:25 > 0:42:27and the importance of it,
0:42:27 > 0:42:30but on this occasion, well, I don't think either of them should.
0:42:30 > 0:42:34It's so important both of them are happy with the house
0:42:34 > 0:42:36and the land that comes with it.
0:42:36 > 0:42:40Perhaps they will go for a second viewing on one of our properties,
0:42:40 > 0:42:41but if they don't,
0:42:41 > 0:42:46I truly hope the perfect combination of home and country living
0:42:46 > 0:42:48is just around the corner.
0:42:48 > 0:42:51Join us again on Escape To The Country.
0:42:53 > 0:42:55If you'd like to escape to the country
0:42:55 > 0:42:58in either England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland
0:42:58 > 0:43:01or perhaps even further afield to the continent
0:43:01 > 0:43:02and would like our help,
0:43:02 > 0:43:04then please apply online at -